Butchers and Meat Cutters Salary in New York, NY-NJ

In New York and New Jersey, butchers and meat cutters earn a median annual salary of $41,860, which is higher than the national median for this occupation at $38,960. This local median income translates to a median hourly wage of $20.13. When compared to the area's median household income of $97,334, it becomes evident that the earnings from this occupation are significantly lower, indicating that most households likely depend on multiple sources of income or higher-earning members to meet typical expenses. With an estimated employment figure of 6,390 for butchers and meat cutters in the region and a local unemployment rate of 4.50%, these figures highlight both the demand for skilled workers in this field as well as the competitive nature of the job market.

Earnings among butchers and meat cutters vary significantly based on experience levels. At the entry-level, individuals at the 10th percentile earn approximately $31,730 annually, while those at the 25th percentile see earnings around $36,340 per year. In contrast, experienced workers can earn much more; those in the 75th percentile make about $59,150, and top earners at the 90th percentile reach up to $66,260 annually. The disparity in wages is driven by several factors, including years of experience, specialization within meat cutting, proficiency with advanced equipment, and performance. These distinctions highlight how skill development, market demand for specialized products, and efficiency can significantly impact earning potential over time in this field.